SHOWN: Trent Johnson ponders a question during the press conference that introduced him as the new men's basketball coach. Stanford University introduces Trent Johnson as the new men's basketball coach at a press conference at Kissick Auditorium in the Arrillaga Center. Katy Raddatz / The Chronicle

Photo: Katy Raddatz

SHOWN: Trent Johnson ponders a question during the press conference...

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SHOWN: After the press conference, Trent Johnson (black man in suit) greets some of the players who had attended the press conf. --here he's shaking the hand of Evan Moore, who plays both basketball and football. Stanford University introduces Trent Johnson as the new men's basketball coach at a press conference at Kissick Auditorium in the Arrillaga Center. Katy Raddatz / The Chronicle

When Stanford's bus arrived at the Seattle hotel where the No. 1- ranked Cardinal would be staying for the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament in March, a tall man with an angular face went over and started pulling out luggage.

It was Nevada coach Trent Johnson, jokingly paying homage to the regional's top seed while playing the everyman role he relishes.

Before the weekend was over, Stanford had been knocked off and the 10th- seeded Wolf Pack advanced to their first Sweet 16.

In announcing Johnson's hiring Tuesday, only four days after Mike Montgomery resigned to take over the Warriors, Stanford didn't so much herald the signing of a coaching star but rather a leader with a blue-collar work ethic and discipline.

The school opted not to scour the nation for big names, instead promptly zeroing in on a coach with a Stanford pedigree -- he had been an assistant under Montgomery from 1996 through '99 -- and one who understood the priorities at The Farm.

"When you think of Stanford University, you think of Stanford academics, school," Johnson said. "You don't think of the football, basketball, baseball or soccer coach. When you think of Duke, you think of Coach K.

"Why should a coach be more important than a professor on campus? In some of our college environments, that's what we have. So that's what I've always liked about here, the perspective. I'm just another old clown walking down the hall."

Players don't quite think of him that way. Johnson's intensity and sometimes-dour expression makes it clear he's all business -- in Seattle, he wouldn't crack a smile even after the Wolf Pack's two wins -- and yet players' high regard for him is unmistakable.

During his previous Stanford stint, Johnson was known as the coach to whom players turned during hard times. He reciprocated with his trust by consulting with seniors Kris Weems, Peter Sauer and Arthur Lee before taking the Nevada job in 1999.

On Tuesday, both present and former Cardinal players came for his introductory news conference.

"The older guys had really positive things to say about him," said swingman Dan Grunfeld, who will be a junior next season. "I know he was really involved with the Collins twins when he was here. It shows a lot when guys who played for you years ago will call on your behalf."

That ability to relate to players might become crucial as Stanford seeks to replenish a dwindling talent base after a couple of subpar recruiting years, in addition to the impending early departure for the NBA of forward Josh Childress.

Johnson, who went 79-74 in turning Nevada from a doormat into a 25-game winner in five seasons, is known as a terrific recruiter. His stock shot up after the Wolf Pack reached the round of 16 and he later was wooed by Utah, but withdrew his name after interviewing.

When Montgomery left in the middle of recruiting season, athletic director Ted Leland moved swiftly to secure Johnson, 47, aware the Cardinal will have as many as five scholarships to offer in November to current high school juniors.

"This happens to be a year when there are a lot of good students out there who are great basketball players," said Leland, who didn't formally interview any other candidates. "We need to have an excellent recruiting year, so there was a push there, combined with the idea that this might be the right guy from the very beginning."

But though he acknowledges being influenced by Montgomery, Johnson eschews even the hint of a comparison, pointing out his former boss' numerous accomplishments.

"Am I honored to be replacing him? Yes I am," Johnson said. "But coach Montgomery won't be replaced. I have my own personality, my own way of doing things, and I will try to be myself every step of the way."